Grand Rapids Christian High School's Bold Student Travel Program

Winterim: How Grand Rapid Christian School's Robust Winterim Student Travel Program fits with their 'Portrait of a Graduate' vision

We are thrilled to introduce you to a remarkable program that sets Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS) apart from the rest. At the heart of their educational experience lies Winterim, a two-week immersive learning opportunity that offers a wide range of unique experiences, including domestic and international travel, professional internships, and on-campus courses. Today, we shine a spotlight on the captivating Winterim Travel program and the incredible impact it has on students' growth, maturity, and worldview.

Under the guidance of Brian Karsten, Winterim Program Coordinator (and English teacher), this program has blossomed into an extraordinary journey for students. Brian's passion for student travel is rooted in his own personal experiences. Having traveled to London, Israel, and Jamaica with students before assuming his role as coordinator, Brian understands the profound impact these trips can have on young minds.

Brian explains the philosophy behind the program: "Concentrated exposure and immersion in a chosen field provide an uncommon learning opportunity where our students gain valuable tools to foster their true gifts, leading them to be effective servants of Christ in contemporary society." It is through travel that students are exposed to diverse cultures, explore exciting new environments, and potentially expand their language fluency, transcending the confines of traditional classrooms.

The selection of trips offered is carefully curated to ensure a diverse range of options that cater to various interests and educational objectives. Brian shares, "Our staff propose trips to me and the Winterim committee, and then we decide as a group which trips will be offered each year. We always look for a range of disciplines, geographical locations, and work hard to find a range in costs to make travel affordable for as many students as possible."

One remarkable success story stands out among the many transformative experiences. Brian recounts, "We've had students change their career aspirations after trips. For years, we've had a trip to the Jamaican Deaf Village, a faith-based mission working to equip the deaf community in Jamaica. After visiting this location, one of our students ended up studying ASL, and it has become her major." This heartwarming tale demonstrates the profound impact student travel can have on shaping students' academic paths and personal growth.

The Winterim Travel program has garnered significant support from the school's leadership and the community, aligning seamlessly with GRCHS's vision and their commitment to cultivating well-rounded graduates. Brian reflects, "We're looking for all the elements of our Portrait of a Graduate, and this program checks many boxes." The administration's unwavering support ensures the continuation of these extraordinary experiences for students year after year.

To continuously enhance the student travel experience, feedback and reflection are vital. Brian shares, "We conduct end-of-semester surveys for all students and leaders, allowing us to gather valuable insights and make improvements." This commitment to refinement ensures that each trip provides maximum educational value, cultural immersion, and, of course, fun.

As other schools and educators embark on the exciting journey of developing their own student group travel programs, Brian offers sage advice: "Work on making sure travel is affordable to as many students as possible. Offering amazing opportunities that are accessible to all students is of utmost importance."

To learn more about the captivating Winterim Travel program at Grand Rapids Christian High School, visit their Winterim Website.

We celebrate the bold and visionary approach of GRCHS in providing exceptional travel experiences that broaden students' horizons, shape their futures, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Join us in applauding the Winterim Travel program for unlocking a world of possibilities for the students of Grand Rapids Christian High School.

Safe travels and transformative adventures await!

Sincerely,

David Schwall

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